London police arrested an 84-year-old retired priest on Sunday for expressing support for Palestine Action. The arrest occurred during a protest marking one year since the group’s ban under anti-terrorism legislation.
Demonstrators gathered outside Scotland Yard, the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police. They displayed a banner reading, “Saving lives is not terrorism.”
Protest Leads To Multiple Arrests
Police arrested around a dozen protesters during the demonstration. Among them was the Rev. Sue Parfitt, an 84-year-old retired Anglican priest from Henbury, near Bristol.
Parfitt stood on a soapbox carrying the message, “I oppose genocide.” She addressed protesters through a megaphone before officers detained her.
She told the crowd she wanted to support Palestinians despite her age and physical limitations. Furthermore, she urged others to support Palestine Action.
Organiser Defend Our Juries said police arrested protesters under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act. The group described the offence as more serious than previous Section 13-related arrests.
Officers later escorted Parfitt to a police van after searching her belongings. Her bag reportedly contained a Bible, a newspaper, and other personal items.
Campaign Group Criticises Police Action
The UK government announced the ban on Palestine Action last year. Then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper introduced the proscription, which came into force one month later.
Following Sunday’s arrests, Defend Our Juries criticised the police response. The group claimed authorities had escalated their campaign against supporters.
Moreover, the organisation argued that peaceful opposition should not face terrorism-related charges. It also called on police to focus on preventing further violence instead.
The group maintained that public opposition to the Gaza conflict would continue despite the arrests. Meanwhile, police have not announced further details about the detainees or possible legal proceedings.
